3-Day Private Safari to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve

πŸ“ Maasai Mara, Kenya
3 Days Β· 2 Nights
From Contact for pricing / person sharing (minimum 2 travelers)
3 Days Β· 2 Nights
Cost includes: Airport transfers / Game drives in 4x4 pop-up roof vehicle / Tented camp accommodation / Most meals
Overview
Trip Route
1 1. Nairobi Nairobi 2 2. Maasai Mara National Reserve Maasai Mara National Reserve 3 3. Nairobi Nairobi
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Trip Route
3 Days Β· 2 Nights Β· 3 Stops
Day 1
Nairobi
Departure point, morning pick-up and transfer to the Mara
Day 1-2
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Game drives and tented camp accommodation
Day 3
Nairobi
Return transfer and tour end
Trip Info

The Maasai Mara needs no introduction. Home to the legendary Great Wildebeest Migration, the Big Five, and some of the most breathtaking savannah landscapes on the continent, it remains East Africa's most celebrated wildlife destination. This private three-day safari whisks you from Nairobi and places you right in the heart of the action, with exclusive game drives tailored entirely to your group. We keep things lean and purposeful on this budget-friendly itinerary, pairing comfortable tented camp accommodation with expert guiding so that every shilling you spend is a shilling well invested in the wild. Whether you are a first-time safari-goer or a returning adventurer, the Mara has a way of exceeding every expectation.

πŸ’³ Flexible payment options are available. Contact our Africompass team to discuss a deposit and balance schedule that works for you.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 01 Day 1: Nairobi to the Maasai Mara β–Ύ

Your safari begins with an early morning pick-up from your Nairobi hotel or the airport, followed by a scenic overland drive southwest toward the Maasai Mara. After settling into camp and enjoying lunch, your afternoon game drive sets the tone for this adventure as you begin searching for lions, elephants, cheetahs and the vast herds that define the Mara.

  • Morning pick-up from Nairobi hotel or airport
  • Overland drive to the Maasai Mara (approximately 5-6 hours)
  • Check-in at Lenchada Tourist Camp
  • Afternoon game drive inside Maasai Mara National Reserve
  • Dinner at camp
Accommodation Options
Option 01
Lenchada Tourist Camp
Maasai Mara, Kenya (just outside the reserve boundary)
Lunch and Dinner included Β· Tented Camp
From Contact for pricing
Day 02 Day 2: Full Day of Game Drives in the Maasai Mara β–Ύ

Today is entirely dedicated to the wild. Rise early for a dawn game drive when predators are most active, then return to camp for a leisurely breakfast before heading back out for a full afternoon in the reserve. The Mara's resident lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles and migrating wildebeest (in season) make every hour on the plains unforgettable.

  • Early morning game drive at sunrise
  • Return to camp for full breakfast
  • Mid-morning or full-day game drive
  • Picnic lunch in the reserve (or return to camp for lunch)
  • Afternoon game drive focusing on predator activity
  • Sundowner views over the savannah
  • Dinner at camp
Accommodation Options
Option 01
Lenchada Tourist Camp
Maasai Mara, Kenya (just outside the reserve boundary)
All meals included Β· Tented Camp
From Contact for pricing
Day 03 Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Return to Nairobi β–Ύ

Savour one final sunrise game drive before checking out and enjoying a hearty breakfast. A packed lunch accompanies you on the drive back to Nairobi, where your safari concludes with a drop-off at your hotel or the airport. You will leave the Mara with memories that last a lifetime.

  • Early morning game drive (last opportunity for wildlife sightings)
  • Return to camp for breakfast and check-out
  • Overland drive back to Nairobi
  • Packed or roadside lunch en route
  • Drop-off at Nairobi hotel or airport
What's Included & Excluded

What's Included

  • Return airport transfers (Nairobi to Maasai Mara and back)
  • Private game drives in a pop-up roof 4x4 safari vehicle
  • Professional English-speaking safari guiden2 nights accommodation at Lenchada Tourist Camp
  • Day 1: Lunch and Dinner
  • Day 2: All meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
  • Day 3: Breakfast and Lunch
  • Maasai Mara National Reserve game drive fees

Not Included

  • International or domestic flights
  • Kenya tourist visa fees
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Personal items, laundry and souvenirs
  • Tips and gratuities for guide and camp staff
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Any activities not listed in the itinerary
  • Additional accommodation in Nairobi before or after the tour (available on request at extra cost)
Ready to Travel?
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Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to go on safari?

It depends on what you want to see. For the Great Migration river crossings in the Maasai Mara, visit between July and October, when the herds cross the Mara River in search of fresh grazing. For calving season and dense predator activity, January to March is excellent, particularly around the southern Serengeti. Kenya's two dry seasons (June to October and January to February) generally offer the clearest skies and easiest game viewing across Amboseli, Tsavo, and Samburu, since animals gather around limited water sources. The 'green season' (November and April to May) brings lush scenery, migratory birdlife, and lower rates, though some rural roads can be muddy. Tell us your travel dates and priorities, and we will recommend the destinations that fit best.

Do I need a visa and vaccinations?

Most nationalities need a Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), applied for online before you fly; Tanzania and Zanzibar require their own separate visa, available online or on arrival depending on your nationality. Entry requirements change from time to time, so confirm the current rules for your passport a few weeks before departure. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory if you are arriving from, or have transited through, a Yellow Fever risk country, and we recommend it in general along with being up to date on routine vaccinations (MMR, tetanus, hepatitis A and B). Most safari areas are malaria zones, so antimalarial medication is strongly advised. Always check final requirements with your doctor or a travel health clinic, and ask us for the latest entry rules when you book.

Are your safaris private or group?

Every itinerary we build is private and tailor-made by default: your own vehicle, driver-guide, and schedule, with no strangers added to your trip. That means you can linger an extra morning at a favourite lodge, adjust the route on the go, or add a visit to the Emmanuel New Hope Rescue Centre we support. If you would rather share costs or travel as a solo guest, we can also arrange a scheduled group departure and match you with other travellers on similar dates. Either way, your safari is planned by our Nairobi-based specialists around your budget, dates, and interests, not a fixed package.

How much does a Kenya safari cost?

Safari costs vary widely depending on where you stay and how you travel. Budget camping safaris in parks like Amboseli or Lake Nakuru can start from around USD 150 to 250 per person per day, mid-range lodge safaris typically run USD 250 to 450 per day, and luxury tented camps in the Maasai Mara or Serengeti can exceed USD 750 per day. Your quote always includes a private vehicle, driver-guide, park fees, and accommodation as specified in your itinerary. Since every trip we build is tailor-made, tell us your budget and travel dates and we'll show you exactly what it buys, with no hidden extras.

What should I pack for an African safari?

Pack light, neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive, beige) for game drives, since bright colours and dark blue can attract tsetse flies in some regions. Bring layers for early morning drives, which can be cold even near the equator, plus a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. A good pair of binoculars, a camera with a zoom lens, and a portable charger make a real difference to the experience. Comfortable closed shoes are more useful than sandals, and most lodges offer laundry service, so you rarely need more than a week's worth of clothing even on a longer trip. We send a full packing checklist tailored to your specific itinerary and season once you book.

Do you offer self-drive or chauffeur-driven car hire?

Yes. Alongside our guided safaris, we offer both self-drive car hire and chauffeur-driven vehicles for clients who want more flexibility around Nairobi, the coast, or shorter road trips. Self-drive suits experienced drivers comfortable with Kenyan road conditions, while a chauffeur-driven car is the better choice for game-viewing routes, night driving, or if you'd simply rather relax and let a local expert handle the roads. All our vehicles are well-maintained 4x4s suited to both tarmac and rougher safari tracks. Let us know your route and dates and we'll recommend the right option.

Is it safe to travel to Kenya and Tanzania?

Millions of visitors travel safely to Kenya and Tanzania every year, and the main tourist circuits, national parks, and coastal resorts are well-established and closely monitored. As with any international travel, sensible precautions apply: use a reputable operator (we're KATO-verified), avoid displaying valuables in cities, and follow your guide's advice in wildlife areas, where the real risk is animals, not crime. We stay in regular contact with our clients throughout their trip, and our drivers know the routes and current conditions well. If you have specific safety questions about your itinerary, we're happy to talk them through before you book.

Can you combine a safari with a beach holiday in Zanzibar or Diani?

Absolutely, it's one of our most popular combinations. A typical itinerary pairs 4 to 7 days on safari in the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, or Serengeti with 3 to 5 days unwinding on the beach in Zanzibar or Diani Beach, taking advantage of short connecting flights between the two. We handle all the logistics, including domestic flight bookings and airport transfers, so you go straight from game drives to the Indian Ocean without the stress of planning it yourself. Tell us how many days you have and we'll suggest a balance between wildlife and beach time that fits your trip.

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